Article January 15, 1910 Issue

To the Christian Scientist animal magnetism means...

John L. Rendall—Council Bluffs, Ia.

Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Ia.

To the Christian Scientist animal magnetism means merely "the specific term for error" (Science and Health, p. 103). It is a technical term, including all there is of evil. It is clearly recognized in Christian Science that all evil is necessarily mental, and must therefore be overcome through a right-thought process. Mrs. Eddy states in Science and Health: "In Christian Science, man can do no harm, for scientific thoughts are true thoughts, passing from God to man (p. 103). And again: "You will also learn that in Science there is no transfer of evil suggestions from one mortal to another, for there is but one Mind, and this ever-present omnipotent Mind is reflected by man and governs the entire universe" (p. 496).

From the above quotations it is readily seen that Christian Science denies the possibility of a transference of evil thought in such a way as to injure another; in fact, the Christian Scientist's protection consists in knowing for himself and for all mankind that these phases of erroneous mortal belief have no elements of truth in them, and consequently no intelligence or power to operate in any way whatsoever. It is the earnest, steadfast, consistent endeavor of every Christian Scientist to "overcome evil with good" and to practise in its completeness all that the golden rule includes and implies, to deal justly and righteously with his fellow-men.

It is impossible to ignore the fact that to ordinary experience evil claims to be and seems to be real, and that to appearance and in belief mankind seem under certain circumstances to be susceptible to erroneous mental influence. Instead, however, of accepting this as fixed law, Christian Science is teaching mankind how to protect themselves, how to deny and repudiate every suggestion of evil, how to nullify every discordant thought, how to overcome sin and disease. It recognizes but one Mind, but one intelligent activity, one law, one power, one Principle, governing the universe, even "God with us." Christian Science, therefore, cannot be used for any purpose other than good and for the establishment within the consciousness of each individual of the highest ideals of morality and righteousness.

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To the Christian Scientist animal magnetism means...

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